Naples Inshore Fishing Charter for Snook, Redfish & Tarpon (AM)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, redfish, and tarpon in Naples coastal watersExplore mangrove shorelines, flats, and backcountry fishing spotsFourhour morning charter accommodates up to three guests
Looking for world-class inshore action without the long boat ride? This morning charter puts you right in the sweet spots where Naples' most sought-after game fish cruise the shallows. We're talking prime time fishing in some of Southwest Florida's most productive waters - the kind of spots that have local anglers coming back season after season. You'll spend four solid hours working the flats, mangrove edges, and backcountry passes where snook, redfish, and tarpon make their living. With room for up to three anglers, this trip keeps things personal and gives everyone plenty of chances to get tight to some serious fish.
We launch early to beat the crowds and catch the fish when they're most active. The morning bite in Naples is legendary, especially during those cooler months when the water temps drop just enough to get everything fired up. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand - every oyster bar, every deep cut through the grass, every shadowy mangrove pocket that holds fish. We'll work methodically through different zones, reading the water and adjusting our approach based on tides, wind, and what the fish are telling us. Expect to cover some serious ground, from the shallow sand flats where redfish tail in inches of water to the deeper passes where tarpon roll and snook ambush baitfish. The pace varies with conditions, but you'll always be fishing or moving to the next hot spot. No downtime, no wasted casts - just four hours of focused fishing in waters that consistently produce.
Inshore fishing here is all about versatility and reading the situation. We run mostly light tackle - spinning reels spooled with 15-20 lb braid that can handle the mangrove roots and oyster bars these fish love to dive into. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks around structure, pitching soft plastics into pockets, or working topwater plugs over grass flats during low light. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. Live bait is often the ticket - pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp that we'll either catch fresh or pick up from local sources. Artificial baits shine here too, especially paddle tails and jerk baits that mimic the abundant glass minnows and sardines these predators feed on. We fish everything from two feet of water to fifteen feet, so you'll experience the full spectrum of inshore angling. Sight fishing is huge when conditions allow - there's nothing like watching a red drum's back fin cutting through skinny water as you drop a bait right in front of its nose.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Naples waters hold some absolute giants. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangrove overhangs, bridge pilings, and creek mouths where they can pin baitfish against the current. They're most active during cooler months when they move into backcountry areas to spawn, though you'll find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook special is their attitude - they hit hard and fight dirty, using their razor-sharp gill plates and every piece of structure to cut your line. A slot snook (28-33 inches) is perfect for the table, but many anglers get hooked chasing the big breeders that can push 40+ inches. They're spooky fish that require quiet presentations, but when you get it right, the strike is explosive.
Redfish are the workhorses of the flats, and Naples has incredible populations year-round. These copper-colored bulldogs cruise the shallows in small schools, tailing in water so thin their backs stick out. They're not picky eaters, which makes them perfect for newer anglers, but they fight like freight trains once hooked. Reds between 18-27 inches are slot legal and make excellent table fare, though many of the fish we encounter are oversized bulls that provide incredible battles on light tackle. Look for them around oyster bars, grass edges, and shallow sand flats, especially during moving tides. They're also less spooky than snook, so you can often get multiple shots at a school if you don't panic the first fish.
Tarpon are the silver kings, and Naples serves as a major highway for both juvenile and adult fish. The baby tarpon (5-40 pounds) are year-round residents that live in the backcountry canals and creeks, while the big adults (80-200+ pounds) show up during their annual migration from May through August. Juvenile tarpon are perfect on light tackle - they jump like crazy and test your drag system, but you can actually land them without a three-hour fight. The big fish are a different story entirely, offering some of the most demanding angling experiences in the world. Even if you don't boat a tarpon, watching these prehistoric fish roll and crash bait on the surface is worth the trip alone. They're strictly catch-and-release, so we use circle hooks and handle them carefully to ensure they swim away strong.
Sea Trout are the most consistent biters in the area, especially during winter months when they school up in deeper grass beds and channels. These spotted beauties aren't the strongest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and eating quality. A good trout bite can save a tough day, and they're perfect for building confidence in younger or newer anglers. They love live shrimp and soft plastic baits worked slowly over grass bottoms, particularly during moving tides. Most run 14-20 inches, though trophy trout over 24 inches show up regularly for anglers who know when and where to target them.
Florida Pompano are the bonus fish that make every angler smile. These deep-bodied fighters are considered by many to be the
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are one of the most sought-after fish in our waters, and for good reason. These silvery beauties average 1-3 pounds but can surprise you with occasional 8-pounders. You'll find them cruising Gulf beaches and shallow flats where they feed on shrimp and mollusks. They're built flat and tall, making them incredibly fast swimmers that can slip through tight spots. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active in warmer water. What makes them special? They fight like crazy for their size and taste amazing - that buttery meat commands top dollar in restaurants. Here's a local tip: use small hooks since they have tiny mouths, and try bright yellow or orange jigs in clear water. The flash gets their attention every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are probably our most popular inshore target, and it's easy to see why. These copper-colored beauties average 18-27 inches in the slot, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. You'll find them in skinny water - sometimes so shallow their backs are out of the water - around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. They're year-round residents but get more aggressive in spring and fall. What makes reds special is their power and stamina - they'll make long runs and fight to the very end. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The visual fishing is amazing too - watching them cruise the flats gets your heart pumping. Here's my tip: look for nervous water and tailing fish on incoming tides around oyster bars. Reds often give themselves away.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are a staple of our grass flats fishing. These beauties average 14-18 inches with distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. You'll find them over seagrass beds in 2-8 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. They're most active during cooler months when they school up, though we catch them year-round. Early morning and evening produce the best action. What guests love about trout is their willingness to bite and decent fight on light tackle. They make excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat - just don't overcook them or they get mushy. My local tip: work soft plastic shrimp imitations slowly along the bottom of grass flats. When you find one trout, there are usually more nearby since they school together.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the kings of our inshore waters and one of the most challenging fish you'll encounter. These sleek predators average 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. You'll find them around mangrove shorelines, docks, and passes where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and current breaks in depths from 2-15 feet. Spring through fall are peak seasons, especially around the new and full moons. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw the hook. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's my tip: fish the shadows and edges where light meets dark. Snook are ambush predators that wait in cover, so cast your lure right to the structure.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese monsters are the giants of our reefs, and seeing one is something you'll never forget. Goliath Grouper can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds - the current record is 680 pounds from right here in Florida waters. You'll find them around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 60-150 feet, though juveniles hang in the mangroves. They're loners most of the year but gather to spawn in late summer. What makes them special is that first pull - it'll nearly yank you overboard if you're not ready. Remember, these fish are protected, so it's strictly catch and release. They're curious and will often approach the boat. My tip: use heavy tackle with 50-80 class reels and circle hooks. Anchor just far enough from structure so you can pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
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